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Q&A

Nudie Jeans Patch And Repair

Exclusive Interview: Nudie Jeans’ Sustainable Denim Revolution


Delve into Nudie Jeans ‘ dedication to environmentally-conscious ethos with our exclusive interview.


Nudie Jeans has set the stage for a denim revolution, showcasing the remarkable power of sustainable choices in the world of fashion. With this conversation, we invite you to explore the brand a little further – and hopefully learn something along the way – as we dive into the heart of their mission.


Nudie Jeans Patch And Repair


What makes Nudie Jeans unique in terms of style and sustainability?

Well, as our tagline says – we’re trying to create tomorrow’s vintage. That is, clothes that become more beautiful the more you wear and repair them. We envision future classics, not future landfills, embracing ethical fashion and encouraging our customers to do so.

How does Nudie Jeans incorporate repair and reuse into its brand ethos?

Every pair of Nudie jeans comes with a promise of free repairs forever. We repair your jeans in our Nudie Jeans Repair Shops or travelling Repair Stations (which have been at Aphrodite in the past!), with the help of repair partners, and through our touring mobile repair station. And if the day comes when you grow tired of your old pair, we want them back. Every Nudie Jeans Repair Shop is packed with preloved jeans looking for new owners.

Nudie Jeans Repair Scatter

How does the use of organic, sustainable materials benefit Nudie Jeans and its customers?

Using organic cotton and other sustainable materials makes us feel good about ourselves, but it’s not benefiting our business. A shortcut to faster growth would be to skip all the painstaking work we put in just because we care about the planet. It benefits our customers because they, like most of us, live on planet earth. It also greatly benefits everyone involved in the process of farming and producing the materials for our clothes, since they don’t have to work with hazardous substances.

Could you describe Nudie Jeans’ approach to sizing and how customers can find their perfect fit?

We ask our colleagues at our headquarters in Gothenburg to wear our clothes and give us the lowdown on how they age over time. This insider info is invaluable because our designers and pattern makers work together to create pieces that are not just meant to be worn for a brief moment, but for years to come. Plus, we have denim experts in our repair shops all around the world. The denim knowledge among our retail staff is, no doubt, next level. To add to that, our Account managers travel up and down the country to pass on as much information as possible to our wholesale partners.

Nudie Jeans Repair In-Store

How do Nudie Jeans stay connected with the ever-changing tastes and preferences of denim enthusiasts?

We leave trends to the fashion industry. Instead of following the latest hypes, we stick to fits and models that inspire us. And since we’re not H&M, we don’t have to cater to everyone’s taste. We just have to do our thing and trust that enough people will like it. While Nudie Jeans has a strong online presence and community engagement

How does customer feedback influence the brand’s decisions and innovations?

That’s a great question! We definitely listen to everyone, and they influence what we do, a lot. But at the same time, we have to stay true to our taste and values. So, I guess the answer is that we listen to people as long as we share tastes and values. At the same time, we need friends. Lots of friends. We can’t change the industry on our own, so building a massive community of people who give a sh*t is a priority!

Nudie Jeans Latest Releases

The blue suede and brown workwear jacket are among the latest releases from Nudie Jeans for AW 2023

What are some key elements that Nudie Jeans considers when designing new denim fits and styles to cater to diverse customer preferences?

We don’t aim to please everyone, and we don’t follow trends, so that makes life easier. But we have a great love for denim and our community. So, I guess it’s a mix of what we’d love to do next and what our friends in the community have on their wishlist.


Our exclusive interview with Nudie Jeans has shed light on their unwavering commitment to sustainable denim and the power of conscious fashion choices. We hope this interview has inspired you to explore the world of eco-friendly and stylish denim. Embrace the denim revolution and join Nudie Jeans in making a positive impact on our planet, one pair of jeans at a time.

Shop Nudie Jeans online and in-store at Aphrodite1994.

Michael Hodgson 01

Customer Catch up – Q&A with Michael Hodgson

Its easy for us to sit here and get carried away writing about all of the latest arrivals and stand out pieces, but every now and again we like to really highlight what’s most important to us… you lot.

Our canny customers are what have kept us going since ’94, so we figured we’d catch up with one of our most loyal customers for an insight into who he is, why he shops with us and what he gets up to in his spare time.


Introducing, Mr Michael Hodgson.

Michael-Hodgson


While some of you local lads (and lasses) might already know Michael, well give him a little introduction for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him. Other than just being a down-to-earth, nice fella, Michael owns one of the biggest estate agent’s in the north east. He and his company have racked up a ton of awards for their quality service, so if you’re thinking of buying, selling or moving house, then give him a shout.

Due to his work, he tends to kick about the office in a classic suit n tie combo but when it comes to a bit of time for him and his family, he breaks out his expansive and quite frankly impressive collection of garms and kicks. Over the years we’ve sold a ton of quality pieces to Michael with his impeccable taste and keen eye snatching up the chance to buy timeless pieces from us. I mean just look at the fit below, its the definition of clean. Combining a classic Norse Projects Shirt with some trusty denim, not to mention the ever-stylish New Balance 991’s which, if you look closer, are the limited 40th anniversary pair, what a look!


Michael-Hodgson-Outfit

Michael-Hodgson-Outfit1


Enough of the waffle, lets get down to some serious chit chat with our quick Q&A:

While we know what you tend to opt for, can you let everybody in on your favourite brand?

Oooh, this is a bit of a tricky one to be honest, Aphrodite have a ton of great brands that I love, if I had to pick id probably narrow it down to AMI Paris or Norse Projects.

What is your all-time favourite item of clothing?
Its not so much clothing but more of an accessory, and a very sentimental one too. My favourite piece would probably be a very old set of cufflinks that my grandfather gave to me.

Who/What influences your style?
Its changed over the years, I read less magazines and look for influence on digital platforms and a quick scroll on Instagram!

What do you get up to on your days off?
At the weekend my wife and I like to head up to Northumberland to find a nice quiet beach or a woodland walk with the dog, we like to eat out, travel and I am a Sunderland season ticket holder.

What are you listening to right now?
Depends where I am, I spend a lot of time in the car so I like chilled out music or something I can sing along too. We’ve just been to see Sam Fender play at the Scarborough Open Theatre so he’s pretty much on repeat at the moment! 

Where is your favourite place to eat out?
It’s a very small restaurant in Newcastle that only seats 8 called Bao Bar, the food is simply incredible.

What’s your drink of choice?
Either an IPA or I’m partial to a fruit based cocktail!!

Where is the best place you’ve travelled to?
We went to India a few years ago which was an amazing experience.

What is something we don’t know about you?
I’m a bit of a sneakerhead, I like collecting trainers, I buy trainers and don’t wear them!


Jason Mark Angsuvarn Interview

Man On A Mission, Jason Mark Angsuvarn Interview

The driving force behind sneaker care brand Jason Markk, introducing Jason Mark Angsuvarn

Any devoted sneaker aficionado should already be well acquainted with shoe specialist Jason Markk; held in high regard worldwide for keeping your kicks looking superbly box-fresh, the revered brand and its vast array of sneaker care products have successfully conquered the footwear industry and kudos to the label for doing so, it’s certainly no mean feat.

And as people continue to reap the rewards of Jason Markk products on a global stage, one talented individual is quietly driving its milestones from within the wings. So without further ado, allow Aphrodite to introduce you to the eponymous founder and president of Jason Markk, Jason Mark Angsuvarn. We recently caught up with the lauded entrepreneur and sneakerhead to discuss the perks [and obstacles] of being your own boss, as well as all things business.

 

Jason Markk Founder Jason Mark Angsuvarn

 

First of all, you may be wondering how the ball got rolling for the proud Southern California creative, let us digest… No longer satisfied with having to use make-shift household cleaning products – that would often contain harmful chemicals, therefore, running the risk of damaging a shoe’s lustre – Jason Mark Angsuvarn set about finding a chemist that could execute his vision for a “sneaker cleaning solution that was not only effective but most importantly, safe to use on all materials.”

He explains, “after months of both product and brand development, I officially launched Jason Markk in January of 2007.”

Jason Markk’s professional debut was not only a declaration of ingenuity from Jason himself but for the brand too as it strived to close a gap within the market. Thanks to a loyal fan base of collectors and enthusiasts, the Jason Markk cleaning solution became an instant hit, allowing for rapid commercial expansion, spanning everything from Jason Markk Quick Wipes, Repel Spray, suede buffers and a myriad more items.

 

Jason Markk Range

 

Having grown exponentially in those first few years, Jason fast found himself at the helm of a budding sneaker care empire but for an individual who prides himself on being a purveyor of pristine kicks, Angsuvarn is remarkably chilled when playfully quizzed over whether first impressions really do count.

“I try not to judge anyone by how dirty their sneakers are or what they’re wearing, but truthfully I think it’s human nature unfortunately to form an opinion. At the end of the day, they’re just shoes and clothes. Get to know the person, keep an open mind, listen, and you may be surprised.”

With obvious intent, Jason Markk’s impressive portfolio awakens a sense of sustainability. Until recently, the industry’s carbon footprint has remained somewhat of a taboo topic, however, as textile waste has continued to soar of late, it’s evident that moves need to be made to address it. Though just one solution to a much wider issue, sneaker care aims to extend the lifespan of your cherished footwear collection and Jason is proud to be bolstering the movement.

“Sustainability has always been considered in everything we do since the beginning. It’s something that’s important to me personally, and as a company, it’s a priority for continuous improvement” states Jason.

When he’s not doing his bit to save the planet, Jason Mark Angsuvarn soaks up the fruits of his labour at the brand’s Los Angeles HQ, which brings with it its own perks and sometimes, challenges. “The freedom and flexibility are what I enjoy most about being my own boss. That said, when you are running your own company, especially in the early stage, you are never not working.

“There is always a trade-off, but for me, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

A savvy state of mind is everything when it comes to business and it’s something Jason has no problem possessing, but with the current states of affairs and a global pandemic to contend with, we’re particularly impressed with his brand’s aptitude for keeping consumers engaged. During lockdown ‘Jason Markk Public Radio’ debuted as a soothing source of entertainment for the extra time we found on our hands. The professional offshoot delivers curated playlists by friends and family of JM with its roots grounded firmly in community and culture.

 

Jason Markk Public Radio

“JMPR is an idea we’ve had for years, but it kept getting pushed to the back burner since we’ve been so busy. With the lockdown, we thought it was the perfect time to finally make it happen. It seems like everyone at JM either DJs or produces beats or is just plain musically inclined. Same goes for many of our close friends and family of JM, so it just made sense. I’m glad you’re tuning in and enjoying it!”

And enjoying it we are, but while we kick back and mellow out to the music, Jason is keen to apply his entrepreneurial wisdom to 2020’s unprecedented moments; past, present and future.

“Given the current global pandemic, nothing is what it used to be – for anyone. I will say that we have used this time wisely, and have bonded (even more) as a unit. My team and global family are the best in the world, and even in the midst of a pandemic, I think we are all excited and pumped for the next chapter of JM.”

Stay tuned to see what’s next for the Cali’ company and in the meantime restore your kicks to pristine condition with our expansive Jason Markk range.

Q&A with Cathal McAteer of Folk Clothing

Folk Clothing have consistently been one of the most exciting and surprising brands hailing from British shores since their inception in 2001. Founder and designer Cathal McAteer‘s career in menswear began as a teenager in Glasgow, working his way from the shop floor to his own design studio in London, to having his creations on the rails of some of the top menswear stores in the world. Folk’s timeless yet playful designs can now be seen on those in the know up and down the country, in pubs and art galleries, clubs and coffee shops. We put a few questions to Cathal to glean a bit of insight into his process, inspirations and the future of Folk.

(The interview has been edited for clarity)


For the uninitiated, what does Folk represent as a brand?

We represent a kind of ‘everything means something’; every colour and pocket stitch is there for a reason. But we are, on the surface, a balance of design, fit & quality.
Understated, subtle with fastidious detailing.  Enough to drive one’s business partner mad.

 

What can you tell us about the forthcoming Folk collection?

We focus on a young artist, Alfie Kungu. Brilliant, uplifting prints alongside lovely colours combined with the season’s stone colour, which is, for me, the strongest. There is also a programme of shirts that have pre-sold so, so well… lots of woven patterns that work best in the short sleeve models.

 

What do you feel the state of British design is?

Personally love it. But in the area of I’m a lover not a hater. So I look more globally at design every day and marvel at how it’s used: from the old doors of the Hayward gallery to model of a highly advanced eco house that’s going to be built down the street from my place.  

 

What is the future of British design and fashion?

Design I feel will always be strong; fashion design [in particular] will be strong. The fashion business is a different story – I don’t particularly love the ethics and morals of it, the endless driving towards the pound note looks reckless.

 

Any stand out pieces you’re particularly fond of from the collection?

The Alfie print swim shorts, rivet sweat in stone, Oscar & Dean colab sunnies & the new trainer is banging.

 

How important is it in the modern day to cover culture and not just clothing?

The product we design and make and deliver would not be the same if it was not for culture.  It’s so heavily influenced by culture & cultures – our process does not work without it.  

 

Any news on the release of the Protest Jacket?

It’s out there! It’s been on demos. It’s been in NY, in LA, Paris. It’s talking to people – and it’s saying it how it is.

 Folk Cord Shirt

How important is the fabrication of Folk clothing? Is fabrication an overlooked feature in the modern day?

Hugely, but we can also use simple fabrics that have a story poured into them, like an artist or a show that influences the detailing, the trim, the hidden design.

 

What pieces from the Folk archive make up your wardrobe? Any prototypes for the future?

Archive – many, many Folk Assembly Pants that are not commercial; an old indigo dyed grafter’s jacket – I have two in different states of wear, the fabric ages so beautifully.


Which musical artist or album best sums up Folk Clothing?

 Levon Helm, drummer and singer in The Band – sometimes I watch footage of him and think, “that’s me, and this fucking excellent band ‘The Band’, that’s us at Folk”. It’s a momentary thought and then, puff, it’s gone .

Check them out in the film the Last Waltz – it’s incredible footage of the great which he is. 

 

What up and coming brands are you keeping your eyes on?

I like A Kind of Guise…and of course Sports Direct is one to watch.

 

Finally, If you could start an imaginary social media beef with another brand or person, who would it be with?

It’d have to be Steve Bannon or Donald Trump but with a request that both parties had to take a triple dose of truth serum.


A huge thank-you to Cathal for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Find all the latest from Folk Clothing in-store and online at Aphrodite, and keep up with all the latest happenings with our blog and social media feeds.

Q&A With ‘Culture Connoisseur’ @KishKash1

For those who aren’t aware of you or your work, explain the world of ‘Kish Kash’
Great question and I’m not too sure how to answer it… It’s a bit of everything! Brand Consultancy, presenter of The All City Show on Soho Radio, Author, Journalist, Food Fan, an avid collector of sneakers, hard to narrow it down really! I guess you could say a ‘culture connoisseur’ of sorts.
I spend a lot of time seeking out the next generation of designers and artists, putting them in touch with the right contacts to get their work recognized and making sure no one is overlooked, talent is talent but it needs the pedestal to be noticed and I look to provide that.
Working with brands you’ll see your fair share of start-up clothing and footwear brands coming through, who’s the best up and coming brand and why should we be paying attention to them?
Labrum, the guys over there are doing something really, really cool. A friend of mine has recently started up a clothing brand named Gulps, very political and really essential for our time. WGSNYC, bespoke made streetwear with a real edge to it. All really making waves and on the cusp of something big, making big statements and wearing their influences on their sleeves.
As an older head in the world of music and fashion, particularly hip/hop and streetwear, has modern day hip/hop had a bigger influence on streetwear and street culture than it’s initial ‘heyday’ from ’88 – 00′
I think that both do. I think the new is influenced by the old, the classic cycle of inspiration and that goes from fashion to music. Someone like Kanye West is massively influenced by the 80s-90s, he’s a guy who grew up in Chicago idolizing (Michael) Jordan and that really influenced his style and love of streetwear through Jordan sneakers, plus his preppy street style and the boom of Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Ralph Lauren in the 90s. I think that stuff like Instagram allows us to have this new generation on the biggest stage for fashion, but the influence to their forefathers can’t be denied, and that evens it out in my eyes.
Staying on the topic of influences, we’ve seen sportswear take over the fashion world, which sport do you think is most important to fashion? 
It has to be basketball still, especially considering it’s street heritage. It’s harder to walk down the street in a pair of footy boots than a pair of Jordans, but football is in it’s biggest fashion spotlight in its history.
 
We’re seeing a renaissance in 90s New York style, brands like Aime Leon Dore are using NY heritage to create something new, as well as brands like Clarks are seeing their styles have a new lease of life with new fans, even sell out releases like the Ralph Lauren Snow Beach collection. Which city is next to take the mantle in fashions eye?
London! Absolutely no question, it’s such a cultural melting pot that I think with the strength of up and coming brands and already established brands like Labrum, A Cold Wall, Nicholas Daley amongst many many more, London will have it’s time in the fashion eye again.
As a Londoner, what would you class as the quintessential London style?
It’s a mixture, similar to how New York style is influenced by heritage being brought to the city. London is such an eclectic city and the style reflects that with it’s reclassified, repurposed style brought from multiple continents. It’s a mix!
It would be rude not to ask this, what’s been the best sneaker release of the year and why?
Oh god… I’d have to say the adidas 4D  Futurecraft. It’s heavier than what you’d expect but we’re looking at one aspect of the future in 3d printing. It truly is revolutionary and the most interesting original idea so far this year. There’s a lot of stuff that’s come out, but it gets soulless as it is almost daily there’s a new drop, re-release etc. You’ve got something like the Span II and that doesn’t get any attention from the kids, and that’s just disappointing. There are a lot of kids just jumping on things because they’ve seen celebs wear it, this stuff is artwork it can take time to age and be defined and yet things do unnecessarily flop. Recent sneaker releases don’t have the same weight to them as ‘back in the day’ you can work out hype to a show months in advance by who ‘likes’ this or that, it’s not like the old days with your Air Force 1 or Air Max series, they took time to be adopted by the sneaker community, it was organic.
Similarly, what’s been the best Re-Release in clothes or sneakers this year?
(After a brief glance through his Instagram @kishkash1…)  The BEST sneaker re-release of the year was the Mizuno Wave-Rider. I had my ear to the ground on this one and knew something was in the works I never gave that shoe the time of day back in 98, but it’s the right place right time for this to come back.
 
What’s been the most slept on release of the year?
 Oh definitely the Spann II.
Finally, Is Football coming home?
 Football has always been home!
You can find Kish on Instagram as kishkash1, The All City Show on Soho Radio and any late night ramen eatery.